Led by NMUSD job transition specialists, the program initiated with a two-day orientation and classes job skills classes every Monday for the duration of the program. Topics covered included career assessments, interest inventories, job applications, interview techniques, appropriate work attire and developing resumes.

The TPP Summer Program is a model to build workplace readiness skills, mobility training, job exploration counseling and empower students to be self-advocates in the workplace.

Students were placed at a job site, where they obtained work experience Tuesday through Friday. Students job trainings were at various job sites throughout Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, including Staples, Surfside, ACE Hardware, Smart and Final, Party City, Journeys, Foot Locker, Juice It Up, Newport Golf Course, Atria and Taco Bell, to name some of the participating businesses.

“Our district is fortunate to have strong partnerships that allow us to offer programs that allow students to be more independent, knowledgeable and confident in their life journey,” said Ms. Vicki Martini, NMUSD lead job transition specialist. “The transition services team is so proud and excited to see the individual growth and self confidence in our students!” she said.

Ronaldo, Estancia High School, 12th grade student
Job site: Taco Bell
“Working here I’ve realized I enjoy food prepping and it has helped solidify my decision to enroll in a culinary program when I go to college,” said Ronaldo.

The goal of the TPP Summer Program is to provide services, advocacy, and equity - it is not to guarantee students with a job. However, nearly half of participating students have been hired at their job sites.